Ryan Cooper, CSW

Ryan received his Bachelor's of Art in Social and Behavioral Studies from the University of Southern Maine and his Master’s of Social Work from the University of New England. He has spent many years working as a children's case manager at an outpatient clinic providing him with the opportunity to work closely with children ranging from 3 years -18 years and their families. As a case manager, Ryan was able to work as an advocate for the clients and their families to help identify and resolve behavioral, academic, and social related issues. Often families struggled with navigating the mental health and academic intricacies to get the help needed. Ryan also spent many years working for a specialized school that worked with children with Autism and other related behavioral issues as a one-on-one teacher creating specialized academic programs. Ryan frequently used Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with these children to help teach behavioral and social skills and enjoyed this challenging and very rewarding work requiring him to carefully assess subtle cues, behaviors, and language in order learn about the student and how to best help him/her progress. He also has experience co-facilitating adult Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups where he planned, prepared, and presented weekly skilled based groups focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, inter-personal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. Most recently Ryan completed work at the Department of Veterans Affairs presenting weekly Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) groups for veterans with PTSD and other related symptoms. He also co-facilitated a PTSD Start Point class, which introduced what PTSD is and how it may be affecting the veteran’s lives. Ryan also had the opportunity to do individual work with veterans suffering from PTSD and other related issues, helping assess for home health needs and complete advanced directive counseling. Ryan has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). He enjoys working with young children, couples, families and individuals with military related backgrounds including Veteran’s on issues including coping skills, death and aging, depression, family issues, grief and loss, parenting courses, physical disabilities, play therapy, PTSD, religious concerns, stress, trauma and anxiety. Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife of 16 years, his 13 year old son who loves sports, and 10 year old daughter who loves music and dance. Ryan was born and raised in Maine and enjoys outdoor activities: hiking, being on the shooting range and on the water. He also loves Nascar!